Eric Cantor is an American politician who served as the House Majority Leader from 2011 to 2014. He was born on June 6, 1963, in Richmond, Virginia, and grew up in a Jewish family. He attended George Washington University and earned a law degree from The College of William & Mary.
Early Career
Cantor began his political career in 1992 when he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. He served in the Virginia House of Delegates until 2001 when he was elected to the United States House of Representatives.
Political Views
Cantor is a conservative Republican who is known for his strong opposition to the Affordable Care Act and his support for free market policies. He has also been a vocal advocate for Israel and has been critical of the Obama administration’s foreign policy.
House Majority Leader
In 2011, Cantor was elected as the House Majority Leader. In this role, he was responsible for setting the legislative agenda and working with other members of Congress to pass bills. During his time as Majority Leader, Cantor was instrumental in passing several important pieces of legislation, including the JOBS Act, which aimed to create jobs by making it easier for small businesses to access capital.
Defeat in Primary Election
In 2014, Cantor lost the Republican primary election for his seat in Virginia’s 7th congressional district to Dave Brat, a tea party candidate. Cantor’s defeat was seen as a major upset and was attributed to his support for immigration reform and his perceived lack of attention to his constituents’ needs.
Post-Political Career
Following his defeat in the primary election, Cantor resigned as House Majority Leader and left Congress. He joined the investment bank Moelis & Company as a managing director and vice chairman in 2014, where he works to this day. He has also become involved in philanthropic activities and serves on the board of directors of several organizations.
Personal Life
Cantor is married to Diana Fine Cantor and they have three children together. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys playing golf and tennis in his free time.
Legacy
Eric Cantor’s legacy is mixed. While he was a powerful and influential politician during his time as House Majority Leader, his defeat in the primary election was a major setback for his career. Nevertheless, Cantor remains an important figure in American politics and continues to be involved in public life through his work in the private sector and philanthropy.